Gammill and Whitman said they think female troops can meet the same challenges that men face in combat.

"If you put your hand up and say, 'I, Billie Gammill, do solemnly swear,' if you can say that spiel, then you better be ready for whatever you can handle," Gammill said.

The women said they hope that they will see a female four-star general in their lifetimes.

The Heartland Women Veterans Post 1107 has 40 members and hopes to add to the ranks with more women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group will hold its first installation of officers on Thursday.